Lighthouse Letters

A Message from Brooke

Lighthouse Returns: Sunday, Sept. 7 (details below!)

Hi Lighthouse Families! 

We hope you have had a wonderful summer!  We have enjoyed our annual late summer August respite – a time to reevaluate, discern and explore the “what’s” and “why’s” of our ministry.  But we are moving and shaking around here as we prepare for a fun and meaningful fall with your kiddos! 

This summer, I read one of my favorite books of all time…The Amen Effect by leading American rabbi, Sharon Brous.  In this time of loneliness and isolation, she asks, “What will it take to mend our broken hearts and rebuild our society?” 

Brous contends that it is through honoring our most basic human instinct– the yearning for real connection– that we reawaken our shared humanity and begin to heal. She explains that this kind of sacred presence is captured by the word amen, a powerful ancient idea that we affirm the fullness of one another’s experience by demonstrating in body and word: “I see you. You are not alone.” 

Our friends at Prairie Sky Counseling Center (founded by members of Village Presbyterian Church with offices at both Village on Mission and Village on Antioch) also read Rabbi Brous’ book over the summer. They know that the heart of counseling is about establishing or reestablishing connections with self, family, friends, community.

The Amen Effect resonates deeply with those seeking counseling because it affirms that healing begins when we are truly seen and heard. Rabbi Sharon Brous describes amen as a sacred act of presence—reflecting the essence of counseling, where simply showing up and being witnessed can open the door to transformation.

Brous reminds us that saying “Amen” is more than a ritual—it’s an act of showing up, of truly hearing and honoring another person’s experience. It’s a quiet but profound way of saying, “You are not alone.” That kind of sacred presence is something our families and young people deeply need. In a time when so many carry anxiety, disconnection, and grief, how might our church become a community where those burdens are witnessed—and held—together?

I want to create more space for that kind of connection: between parents, between teens, and across the generations. I want our church to be a place where it’s okay to struggle, where questions are welcomed, and where we say to one another—not just with our words but with our time and attention—“I see you.” But I need your help. Do you have ideas for how we might build that kind of community? Are there topics you’d like to explore together? Let’s dream a little and see what we can grow.

Prairie Sky provides therapy for youth ages 13 and up, as well as support for couples, families, and blended families. Their work is grounded in empathy and presence—they come alongside people not to fix them, but to bear witness, to listen well, and to help carry the load with compassion. Their presence among us is one more way we can live out the message of The Amen Effect—by making sure no one has to walk alone.

Prairie Sky is also having conversations with us about other ways they could help serve our Village family. How might we build deeper, more meaningful connections across generations? What subjects or practices would you like to explore together as a community?

My hope is that this season, we find ways to say Amen—not just at the end of our prayers, but at the beginning of a deeper relationship.

Blessings,
Brooke

Mark Your Calendars!

World Communion Sunday, 9 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 3: The morning will begin with a special lesson on communion with Rev. Maggie Johnson Phillips for our elementary Lighthouse kids. After the lesson, we will join our grown-ups in the sanctuary to share in communion together. We hope you will join us! Please note: We will have regular check-in on 3rd floor but will dismiss from the sanctuary with grown-ups (Preschool kids will remain in Room 106 and may be picked up after the service).

Food Truck Festival, 5-7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5: Celebrate fall with your Village family with gourmet food trucks, live music & games. Located in the north parking lot of Village on Mission.

3rd Grade Bible Ceremony & Reception, 9 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 9: Mark your calendars for the Third Grade Bible Ceremony! Join the third-grade class as they receive their own Bible at the 9:00 a.m. service on Sunday, Nov 9. A reception in Friendship Hall for families of third graders will immediately follow the service. Let us know you’re attending by clicking the link below and entering your child’s name in the “public comments” box. If you are unable to attend, you may still reserve a Bible for your child using the same sign-up but enter “no” when asked if you will be attending the ceremony.

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